In the Long Run

Throw the confetti, buzz the kazoos—I’m celebrating my one-year blogiversary! This past week I’ve contemplated my reasons for starting a blog last year, and whether I’ve accomplished my purposes.

It has been an amazing journey! This whole experience has just been unbelievable, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve learned soooo much about myself! I really am a different person now, from when I first started blogging, and you, the readers, are simply incredible!

Wait. Strike that last paragraph! I think I’m confusing my “reality show exit speech” with my blog evaluation! Let me try again:

When I started this blog last year, I dreamed of attracting a cult following of eager “In the Long Run” readers who waited with frenzied anticipation for each new entry. That definitely hasn’t happened. My husband says I need to write political commentary if I’m ever going to sustain a large, loyal readership. Sorry, not my interest, nor my style.

I wanted to see if I could write well enough to legitimately call myself a writer, having always fancied myself as such. Based on quantity alone, I’d say I’ve done pretty well, averaging 1.5 posts per week. That’s certainly better than my journal writing. Wait. This is a journal of sorts. Now, if you’re judging quality…well, I’ll let you, the reader, be the judge of that. One member of my family is a little critical of my “English composition” style, but I cheekily give myself high marks!

I hoped to meet and communicate with new and interesting people through a safe, and somewhat anonymous medium. With the exception of one or two, the only people I’ve communicated with are people that I already know, even if some of them sign their comments as “Anonymous”. But, I will say this: you are all very interesting, and even entertaining, people, and I’ve enjoyed your responses to my writing.

I was looking for a creative outlet that might also provide amusement to other people. I’ve tried to avoid mean-spirited ridicule in my writing, while allowing for some good-natured ribbing. I don’t know if Mr. and Mrs. Bad Dogs would agree with my assessment, but as their dogs are barking even as I write, I think I really don’t care!

It’s been a good year, with musings on ordinary experiences that elicit memories and smiles, and with enough introspection to keep me moving in the right direction. In the Long Run has been a satisfying venture.

Posted by Cyppy at 8:32 PM